I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. 

—2 Corinthians 11:23–27 NLT

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 11:23–27 

Sometimes as believers we tend to be spiritual lightweights. At the first indication of a hardship or difficulty, we fall like a house of cards. We say, “I didn’t sign up for this. I don’t want difficulty; I just want to get along with everyone.”

But if you’re a true follower of Christ, there will be suffering in your life. The apostle Paul was certainly a true follower. And here’s how he described his experience: “I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm” (2 Corinthians 11:23–27 NLT).

You’ll find no trace of self-pity or resentment in his words. Paul understood the role that suffering plays in the lives of believers.

The harsh reality is this: If you’re going to be used of God, then you’re going to be attacked. If you live as a real Christian, you will find yourself at odds with the world around you. You’ll face opposition, some of it intense. Think of suffering as a spiritual badge of honor. In fact, if you don’t experience at least occasional suffering or hardship in your life, you might want to examine your Christian walk.

And keep this in mind: The life that Christ offers is well worth any hardship.

Reflection question: How can you develop a proper perspective toward suffering? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 

—2 Corinthians 5:6–9

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 5:6–9 

What happens to us as believers when we die? We go straight into the presence of God. The apostle Paul wrote that when we are “away from these earthly bodies . . . then we will be at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8 NLT). There’s no waiting period or shipping delays. The moment our time on earth ends, our time in God’s presence begins.

That’s why Paul wrote, “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live” (Philippians 1:21–24 NLT). He wanted to continue his work on earth, but the thought of Heaven was irresistible.

When Stephen was being martyred for his faith, he was given a glimpse of glory, which he then described to the people who were putting him to death. “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, ‘Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!’” (Acts 7:55–56 NLT).

According to Acts 6:15, “Everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s” (NLT). Because Stephen was seeing the other side, his face radiated God’s glory.

When the great evangelist D. L. Moody was on his deathbed, his last words were, “Is this dying? Why, this is bliss. There is no valley. I have been within the gates. Earth is receding; Heaven is opening; God is calling; I must go.” After saying this, Moody soon breathed his last breath and passed into eternity.

It comforts me to think that when my son Christopher left this world, he was carried by angels into God’s presence. I believe that with all my heart. And I believe that’s true of all Christians when their lives on earth come to an end.

When we leave this world, we’ll be carried by angels into the presence of the Lord, where we’ll stay forever, filled with utter peace, fulfillment, joy, and awe. If we, too, could see how glorious Heaven is, I’m sure that it would change everything about how we view death.

Enjoy this life while you can but never lose sight of what lies beyond it.

Reflection question: What are you most excited about when it comes to Heaven? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. 

—2 Corinthians 9:6–7

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 9:6–7 

If you ask people to list the top priorities in their lives, you’ll probably get a lot of thoughtful and inspirational answers. But if you really want to know what their top priorities are, you have to look at their financial records. The way people use their money is one of the best indicators of where their priorities lie.

Jesus explained it this way: “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Luke 12:34 NLT). The reality is that we all invest in our passions. If you want to find out what people are truly passionate about, follow the money.

God certainly does. Not because He needs our money, but because everything we have ultimately comes from Him. Not only does He supply our needs, but He also expects us to be wise stewards of our resources, which are actually His resources.

The apostle Peter wrote, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10 NLT).

The author of Proverbs wrote, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25 NLT).

The message is consistent throughout Scripture. We need to take what God has given us and be wise stewards of it, investing generously in the work of the kingdom of God. God will generously bless those who heed the message.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully’” (2 Corinthians 9:6–7 NLT).

Some people may say, “I can’t afford to give.” Really? I can’t afford not to give. Giving isn’t just for rich people; it’s for all people. Everyone should invest in God’s kingdom. Here’s something to consider: If you’re having financial struggles, maybe one of the reasons is that you’re not honoring the Lord in your giving.

I’m not saying that if you give, God will make you rich. But there’s no denying that the Bible makes a connection between giving and receiving. Paul follows up his words in 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 with this statement: “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (verse 8 NLT).

Make God’s work your passion and then invest accordingly. See what happens in your life.

Reflection question: What would cheerful giving look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 

—2 Corinthians 1:3–5

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 1:3–5 

In Luke 19, Jesus tells a parable about a nobleman who is called away to a distant empire. Before he leaves on his extended journey, he entrusts several of his servants with an amount of silver to invest while he’s gone. When he returns from his journey, the nobleman asks each servant to give an account of his investment and profit.

The first servant reports a profit of ten times the initial investment. The second servant reports a profit of five times the initial investment. “But the third servant brought back only the original amount of money and said, ‘Master, I hid your money and kept it safe. I was afraid because you are a hard man to deal with, taking what isn’t yours and harvesting crops you didn’t plant’” (verses 20–21 NLT).

The third servant showed no sense of regret and no sorrow over his lack of productivity. More tellingly, he blamed his boss for his shortcomings.

Many people today take the same approach to life. They look for scapegoats for their own shortcomings. They make excuses for their failure by saying, “I had bad teachers” or “I had bad bosses” or “I had bad parents.” And in many cases, they lay the blame at the feet of God Himself. They claim that He’s too harsh, too distant, too demanding, too mysterious, or too something else.

1. W. Tozer once said, “Nothing twists and deforms a soul more than a low or unworthy conception of God.” Our view of God affects everything we do in life. If we have a warped view of Him, it will alter the way we perceive the world and poison the way we respond to the events in our life.

I never had a dad growing up, but I have known my heavenly Father for quite a while now. And I can tell you this: He has always dealt with me in love and has never been inconsistent. I don’t always understand or agree with what my Father in Heaven does. But I submit to Him because I know that He’s looking out for my best interests.

How do I know? His Word leaves little room for doubt. The apostle Paul wrote, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:3–5 NLT).

Our heavenly Father knows what’s ultimately best for us. We can and should trust Him with our lives.

Reflection question: What would trusting your heavenly Father look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

—2 Corinthians 12:8–10

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 12:8–10 

Very few people have ever been given a vision of Heaven. Imagine the impact such a vision would have on someone. It isn’t hard to envision a scenario in which such a privilege caused someone to become a little arrogant.

Imagine sitting around with a group of people who were talking about where they went for vacation. “We went to Hawaii.” “We went to Tahiti.” “We went to Italy.”

Can you picture the apostle Paul, sitting back, just waiting for the perfect opportunity to trump them all? “I went to Heaven.”

“Heaven? Are you talking about Heavenly Valley, that ski resort near Tahoe?”

“No, I’m talking about Heaven—the place of eternal reward.”

“Uh huh. And what was it like?”

“I can’t really explain it. But it was better than where you went.”

But Paul didn’t get arrogant about his experience because God initiated a plan to keep him from being filled with pride. Paul described it this way: “So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud” (2 Corinthians 12:7 NLT). He doesn’t say what the thorn in his flesh was. All we know is that it was troublesome enough for Paul to pray to be rid of it.

“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:8–10 NLT).

Often, we imagine that we’re at our best when we operate from a position of strength—bold, confident, unshakable, and impervious to trials and tribulations. We convince ourselves that we’re most effective after we’ve cleared the obstacles from our path and overcome our infirmities.

God sees it a different way. He prefers that we operate from a position of weakness so that His strength is unmistakable. He wants us to rely on Him so that others can see us rely on Him so that they will rely on Him, too.

That’s why He allowed hardship in Paul’s life. And that’s why He allows hardship in our lives. Hardship makes people usable in God’s kingdom, if we recognize that hardship for what it is.

Reflection question: How can you respond to a current hardship in your life in a way that makes you usable in God’s kingdom? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell. 

—2 Corinthians 12:2–4

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 12:2–4 

In this week’s devotions, we’re going to focus on passages from the apostle Paul’s second letter to the believers in Corinth. And we’re going to start with a familiar passage, one we looked at briefly in last week’s devotions. We’re going to focus on Paul’s account of his vision of Heaven in 2 Corinthians 12.

Countless books and passages have been written about Heaven, many from people who claim to have experienced the afterlife and then returned to tell the tale. Obviously, most of these accounts must be taken with a grain of salt. There are a few, however, that deserve our attention because they’re found in God’s Word, the ultimate source of truth.

One thing these passages have in common is the difficulty their authors have in describing what they see.

Here’s just one of the things the apostle John wrote about his experience: “Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.’ And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow” (Revelation 4:1–3 NLT).

It appears human words are insufficient to fully capture the heavenly reality. And make no mistake, Heaven is a reality. It’s not a metaphor. It’s not a symbolic place. It’s not a state of mind. Heaven is real.

Like John, Paul was given a glimpse of Heaven and lived to write about it. “I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell” (2 Corinthians 12:2–4 NLT).

The word paradise he uses to describe Heaven occurs in two other places in the New Testament. One is found in Jesus’ words to the criminal on the cross next to Him: “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43 NLT). The other is found in Revelation 2:7 to describe the future dwelling place of believers.

Both passages refer to an actual place. Heaven is real.

Reflection question: What are your takeaways from the biblical descriptions of Heaven? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 

—1 Corinthians 10:12–13

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 10:12–13 

Years ago, I had a close encounter with a giant. My friends and I went out in a small inflatable boat to do some whale watching. We saw a whale breach the surface some distance away, so we went in for a closer look, while still keeping a respectful distance. Suddenly, a young whale swam right under our boat. A few moments later, its submarine-sized mother glided under our little craft as well. She was so close that we could see the barnacles on her body. And as fast as she and her calf had appeared, they disappeared.

Those giants could have caused us real problems, if they had chosen to. But they didn’t. They simply made themselves known, giving a glimpse of their enormity, without using their size against us. Unfortunately, not all giants in this life are as benign.

And not all giants appear in physical form. Some giants are difficult situations. Some giants are hurdles in life that seem insurmountable. Some giants are temptations that refuse to go away. Some giants are challenges that seem beyond our ability to solve. Some giants are personal sins that impact the way we see ourselves. Some giants are addictions that threaten to overwhelm us. Some giants are toxic relationships that leave us bitter, hurt, confused, or lonely.

We all face giants, and we will continue to face them as long as we live. We have an enemy in Satan who will stop at nothing to disrupt our relationship with Christ. So, we all need to embrace these words from the apostle Paul: “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:12–13 NLT).

If you trust in Christ, you need to remind yourself as often as necessary that every giant can be defeated. There is nothing in this world that can place you under its power. There is no addiction that needs to control your life. There is no lifestyle that you cannot break free from. There is no temptation that’s too compelling to resist. There is no giant that’s too big or too powerful for you. You have everything you need in your relationship with Christ.

There is no power in your life that Christ in you can’t overcome!

Reflection question: What giant are you battling in your life right now? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power. For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet. And the last enemy to be destroyed is death. 

—1 Corinthians 15:24–26

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 15:24–26 

When we lose a loved one, there’s a time and place for mourning. The depth of our sorrow is an indication of the depth of our love for that person. But there’s also a place for rejoicing if that loved one is a believer because we know we will see them again.

Even Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus when He saw the devastating power of death. Death is an enemy, although one whose fate is already determined. The apostle Paul wrote, “After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power. For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet. And the last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:24–26 NLT).

No one wants to die. After all, this life is all we know. No one looks forward to the end of it. But the reality is that we all will die. That’s why it’s important to put our faith in Christ before we enter eternity. It’s also important that we not lose sight of what awaits believers when we die.

The Bible doesn’t offer pictorials of Heaven, but it does provide some tantalizing descriptions. Paul was given a glimpse of Heaven and tried to put his experience into words. “I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell” (2 Corinthians 12:2–4 NLT). (We’ll explore this passage further next week in our study of 2 Corinthians.)

You’ll notice that he used the word paradise to describe what he saw. Paradise is a Greek word that refers to the royal garden of a king. Think about the most beautiful garden you’ve ever seen. If you’re not into gardens, think about the most amazing sight you’ve ever laid eyes on. That’s the depiction of Heaven Paul gave. He was saying, “I don’t really have the words for it, but it was like a paradise.”

As Pastor Adrian Rogers put it, “The God who sculpted the wings of the butterfly, blended the hues of the rainbow, and painted the meadows with daffodils is the same who made Heaven.”

In Heaven all questions are answered, all tears are dried, and all pain is gone. Heaven is pure bliss. That’s why Paul said that he longed to be there. He saw for himself that Heaven is far, far better than earth.

And that’s what all believers can look forward to.

Reflection question: What are your feelings about Heaven? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. 

—1 Corinthians 9:22–23

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 

Our world today is full of religious people, but many of them shy away from using that word to describe themselves. “Religious” has too many negative connotations, as far as they’re concerned. So instead, they use a different word: spiritual. They’ll describe themselves as “very spiritual” and then will add, “But I’m not into organized religion.”

Statements like this can become a segue for sharing the gospel. As believers we can say, “Really? I’m a spiritual person, too. In fact, I’m really into spiritual things, and I want to talk to you about an important spiritual truth I’ve discovered.”

Some people may suggest that this sounds like compromise, agreeing with a worldly point of view. But that’s not the case. It’s not a compromise to acknowledge someone’s belief, even if we don’t agree with that belief. Rather, it’s simply a matter of using understandable language to build a bridge so that you can talk about your relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s a matter of finding common ground, a place where the other person feels conversationally comfortable—and more likely to be receptive to the gospel message.

When the apostle Paul addressed the men of Athens, he said, “I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about” (Acts 17:22–23 NLT).

Notice that Paul didn’t say, “Hey, what you’re doing is legit.” But neither did he belittle their unusual inscription or try to correct their theology. He simply used language that the people of Athens could understand to connect with them about his most important message. Paul understood what all believers need to understand: Evangelism is a dialogue, not a monologue. You ask a question, and the other person gives you an answer. Then you respond to what the person said. They say something, and you say something.

This is what Paul was talking about when he said, “When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings” (1 Corinthians 9:22–23 NLT). Finding common ground with everyone is a tall order. It’s a good thing the Holy Spirit is with us every step of the way. It’s also a good thing that the first step in finding that common ground requires us to do nothing more than listen.

Reflection question: How do you try to find common ground with others when you share your faith? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. 

—1 Corinthians 3:11

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 3:11 

The apostle Paul worked with and mentored some incredible people of faith, including Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, the Gospel writers Mark and Luke, Priscilla and Aquila, Titus, and Lydia. Talk about an all-star discipleship team! But as we saw in an earlier devotion, there was an outlier among Paul’s in-crowd. His name was Demas.

In Philemon 1:23–24, Paul name-checks Demas, identifying him as a trusted coworker. In 2 Timothy 4:10, however, Paul breaks this bad news: “Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica” (NLT).

It seems almost unimaginable, doesn’t it? How could someone appear to be radically converted and passionate about the Christian faith and then, without warning, suddenly give it up and walk away?

I’ve seen similar things happen. I’ve met people who were emotional about Jesus and fired up about their faith, only to later fall into gross sin. What happened? I believe they never were rooted in Christ. Some people are just impulsive by nature. They’re always into the latest fad. Whatever grabs their attention is what they want to be into—until something else grabs their attention.

Think of it in terms of exercise equipment. If you walk through a neighborhood on a Saturday afternoon when people have their garage doors open, you’re likely to see more than a few exercise machines. What you’re unlikely to see is people working out on them. Instead, you’ll find that many of the machines serve as nothing more than expensive clothes hangers. Their presence tells the story of people who decided that they were going to get into shape, but whose enthusiasm didn’t stand the test of time.

A similar thing happens to some people who make a commitment to Christ. They get very excited about their faith in the beginning, but their excitement and commitment don’t stand the test of time. One possible explanation is that they built their faith on the wrong foundation.

Maybe they decided to follow Christ because their friends did. Or maybe they put their faith in a certain church, and then found out that it wasn’t perfect, that it was filled with flawed people like them. Perhaps some pastor didn’t measure up to their expectations. Whatever the problem was, they didn’t build their foundation on Christ. The Bible tells us, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11 NLT).

Jesus Himself said, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock” (Matthew 7:24–25 NLT).

He is the only foundation that will sustain us as Christians—not another person, not an experience, not a program, not a church, but Jesus Christ. He is our bedrock.

Reflection question: How can you make sure that your commitment to Christ remains firm? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. 

—1 Corinthians 3:7–9

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 3:7–9 

Jesus used the parable of the farmer scattering seed to illustrate different reactions to the gospel message. In the parable, which is found in Matthew 13:1–23, a farmer scatters seed across his field. The seed lands on four different surfaces. The farming methods of Jesus’ day were quite different from the methods of today. Modern farmers prepare the ground, carefully lay the seed, and then use irrigation systems and sophisticated technology to nurture the resulting crop. In Jesus’ day, the process was a little more primitive.

Essentially, a farmer would reach into a sack, grab a handful of seed, and then throw it—to his left, to his right, in front of him, and behind him. Wherever the seed landed, it stayed. In Jesus’ parable, some of the seed fell on a footpath. Some of the seed fell on shallow, rocky soil. Some of the seed fell among thorns. And some of the seed fell on fertile soil. The plowing was done later. After the seed produced its yield, the farmer would harvest his crop.

Jesus compared the scattering of the seeds to the spreading of the gospel. “The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (verse 23 NLT).

His words hit home with us and with all who engage in crusade or proclamation evangelism. At Harvest Ministries, we throw out the seed of the gospel in stadiums at our Harvest Crusades. We throw it out online. We throw it out over the radio. In other words, the seed gets scattered in countless areas. We have very little say in what happens to the seed after it’s scattered. God is the One who ultimately does the work of conversion. Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44 NKJV).

Some people are critical of our type of evangelism. But my question is, why wouldn’t we want to reach as many people as possible, using every form of media available? Our job is to reach as many as we can.

The apostle Paul wrote, “It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:7–9 NLT).

There’s important work to be done. Let’s do it in the best way we know.

Reflection question: What means are available to you to reach people with the gospel? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, ‘The two are united into one. 

—1 Corinthians 6:15–16

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 6:15–16 

In this week’s devotions, we’re going to focus on passages from the apostle Paul’s first letter to the believers in Corinth. And we’re going to start with his words of wisdom to married couples in 1 Corinthians 6.

Can you imagine what our culture would be like if we obeyed the single commandment, “You must not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14 NLT)? Can you imagine how different our world would be? How many divorces would have been avoided? How many families would still be together? How many fathers would be home to raise their children?

Many social ills can be traced to the breakdown of the family and specifically to the absence of the father in the home. And often marriages fall apart because of the sin of adultery—that is, sex with someone besides your spouse.

God established marriage as a union and oneness between a man and a woman. Sex is not some toy that we play with to satisfy our desires. The Bible says, “Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery” (Hebrews 13:4 NLT).

Yet that warning often falls on deaf ears. Some people try to excuse adultery by arguing that anything that happens between two consenting adults is okay. Or by pointing out that spouses aren’t always sexually compatible, which makes it necessary to go outside the marriage. Or by claiming that if no one else ever finds out, it’s a victimless crime.

But the biblical reality is that when a man and a woman come together sexually, a oneness takes place. We are told in 1 Corinthians 6:15–16, “Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, ‘The two are united into one’” (NLT).

Jesus identified the roots of adultery in His Sermon on the Mount. “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell” (Matthew 5:27–29 NLT).

Lust, left unchecked, can lead to adultery. That’s why it’s important to separate ourselves from people, scenarios, and settings that can trigger lust. As Jesus points out, no sacrifice is too great to preserve the unity of marriage.

Reflection question: What practical steps can reduce the risk of adultery in a marriage? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 

—Matthew 6:19–21

Scripture:

Matthew 6:19–21 

“Heaven on earth” is a well-worn cliché in popular culture. You can find the phrase or idea in countless songs, books, TV shows, movies, and online content. Of course, God’s people understand that there’s a sharp distinction between Heaven and earth. Heaven is the real deal, the eternal dwelling place. Earth is the temporary dwelling place. There is no comparison. Think of the best things you’ve ever experienced on this earth: your wedding day, the birth of a child, or a special moment with someone you love. Even the most impactful, the most unforgettable, and the most life-changing incidents were merely glimpses of glory, tastes of what’s to come in Heaven.

1. S. Lewis wrote in Letters to Malcolm, “The hills and valleys of heaven will be to those you now experience not as a copy is to an original . . . but as the flower to the root, or the diamond to the coal.”

The Bible tells us that one day believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, also known as the Bema Seat. There, we will receive rewards for our faithfulness to God. Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9 NLT).

He also offered this reminder in 1 Corinthians 3:8: “The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work” (NLT).

Therein lies our incentive for this earthly life. There will be a reward. This should cause us to want to do everything we can for God’s glory. That’s what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 6:19–21 when He said, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (NLT). He’s talking about traveling light, where material possessions are concerned.

As I’ve often said, we can’t take it with us, but we can send it on ahead. Every investment we make of our lives for God’s glory—the giving of our time, the use of our gifts, the investment of our resources—will result in an eternal reward. By being faithful to the Lord, we are laying up treasure in Heaven for ourselves.

Reflection question: What would laying up treasures in Heaven instead of on earth look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from me. I, the LORD, have spoken! 

—Isaiah 54:17

Scripture:

Isaiah 54:17 

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus makes a fascinating statement that some have misunderstood. Speaking of believers, He says, “They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed” (Mark 16:18 NLT). Some Christians have taken the Lord’s words literally and incorporated snake-handling into their services. But that’s not trusting the Lord; that’s testing the Lord, something believers aren’t supposed to do (see Deuteronomy 6:16; Matthew 4:7).

Here’s what Jesus’ words in Mark 16 do mean: If you’re a Christian, then you’re indestructible until God is done with you. There is a day appointed for your death. And you have no say in when that day will come. Until that day, however, you can approach life with boldness and confidence. (That’s not to say that you should be reckless, however—see Jesus’ words in Matthew 4:7 again.)

That’s certainly what God’s Word encourages you to do. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (NLT).

The psalmist wrote, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NLT).

And the apostle Paul wrote, “But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NLT).

He wrote from experience. Paul survived a shipwreck and found himself on an island. While warming himself by a fire in this environment, he was bitten by a venomous snake. Paul calmly shook off the snake into the fire. The people who witnessed the incident expected Paul to die from the bite. But he didn’t because his time wasn’t up.

Hebrews 9:27 says, “And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment” (NLT). Paul had not yet reached his destination. He wasn’t about to let a snakebite keep him from the Lord’s work.

Likewise, there’s no need for you to worry on your Christian journey. That gives you the freedom to travel light, emotionally speaking. As Isaiah 54:17 says, “But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken” (NLT).

God will keep you and protect you in this world until He welcomes you into the next. So, be bold. Be courageous. As long as God has use for you, you’re indestructible.

Reflection question: What would spiritual boldness and courage look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said. 

—Acts 14:21–22

Scripture:

Acts 14:21-22 

I believe that when we get to Heaven, we’ll look back at our time on earth from a different perspective. I believe we’ll realize that the things we viewed as good weren’t nearly as good as we thought they were. I also believe we’ll realize that some things we thought were bad were, in fact, beneficial.

For example, our culture has conditioned us to think of prosperity and success as good things. And for some people, they can be, if they’re used for God’s glory. But quite honestly, for others, financial well-being can be a great distraction, something that causes them to lose sight of God. Material possessions can weigh us down, spiritually speaking, when God wants us to travel light.

In addition, we think of sickness or loss or failure as things that are always bad. And they can be bad. Very bad. But they also can be good, because they cause us to cling to God and to lean on Him like we never would have if things had been easier. So, from Heaven’s perspective, a so-called bad thing can be a good thing.

When his friend Lazarus was sick, Jesus delayed going to see him in Bethany. John 11:5–7 says, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go back to Judea’” (NIV).

Instead of running to help Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, as they hoped He would, Jesus delayed His arrival by two days. Why? He wanted Lazarus’ sickness to run its course. He didn’t simply want to heal His friend. He wanted to bring greater glory to His name. Sickness and death were the means to bring about that greater glory. The Lord doesn’t look at trials and suffering as we do. The question is, whose perspective will we trust?

Here’s a hint: “‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts’” (Isaiah 55:8–9 NLT)

I believe that God will reveal the whys of our suffering in time. He will help us see the big picture, how our trials ultimately led to a greater good. But until that day, we need to remember these words from Acts 14:21–22: “They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said” (NIV).

No matter how many hardships we must endure, the result—eternity in the kingdom of God—is more than worth it.

Reflection question: How can you keep a godly perspective on the “good” and “bad” things that happen to you? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers. 

—Philemon 1:23–24

Scripture:

Philemon 1:23–24 NLT 

It’s been said that everyone will be famous for fifteen minutes. For a select few people, however, those fifteen minutes of fame stretched into centuries and millennia. Such is the case with the people mentioned in one of the apostle Paul’s epistles. Imagine what an honor that would be! For example, in his letter to Philemon, the apostle wrote, “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers” (Philemon 1:23–24 NLT).

I imagine it must have been tempting to bring up those name-checks in casual conversation: “Hi, it’s nice to meet you. My name is Aristarchus. You may have heard of me from one of Paul’s epistles.”

One of the people Paul mentioned was Demas, whose name appeared not only in one epistle, but two. In Philemon, Demas is identified as a coworker of Paul. The bad news is that his second mention involved his apostasy. Something had happened to Demas in the time between Paul’s letter to Philemon and his second letter to Timothy, because we read, “Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica” (2 Timothy 4:10 NLT). In other words, “Hey, remember Demas? Yeah, well, he’s not with me anymore.” The reason? Demas loved “the things of this life.”

Demas serves as a prime example of why the apostle John warned, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever” (1 John 2:15–17 NLT).

There is nothing wrong with being blessed by God with things like a nice home or a good career. In fact, the Bible tells us that God “richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17 NLT). But if those things have become the most important to you, more important than God Himself, then that is a problem, my friend.

We must recognize the things of this life for the temporary blessings they are. We must be prepared to step away from them if the Lord instructs us to. Traveling light in this world means being prepared to sacrifice anything that gets in the way of our relationship with the Lord.

The Christian walk is challenging enough on its own. The last thing we need is to stumble over misplaced priorities.

Reflection question: How can you keep a godly perspective on the things of this life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 

—1 Timothy 1:12–13

Scripture:

1 Timothy 1:12-13 

Saul of Tarsus, who later became the apostle Paul, had a ravenous hunger for knowledge, especially as it pertained to Judaism, and an unquenchable desire to be as devout as possible in his Jewish faith. As a Pharisee, he rose to a position of influence among the Jewish leaders, possibly even becoming a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, which was like the Supreme Court of its day. With this honor, Saul enjoyed great fame and influence.

However, it could be said that Saul was both famous and, ultimately, infamous. He showed the depths of his rigid devotion to Judaism when he sensed a threat to its dominance. He seems to have instinctively recognized that the followers of the Nazarene known as Jesus were dangerous. So dangerous, in fact, that Saul convinced himself that they needed to be wiped off the face of the earth. He made it his mission in life to hunt them down and make them suffer for their faith in Christ. But he didn’t stop with the Christians who were in his immediate jurisdiction. He asked for and received extradition papers from the high priest so that he could take his campaign of persecution on the road. He set out for Damascus, which was 140 miles from Jerusalem.

The journey was arduous, but Saul would not be deterred. He was so filled with hatred that he was willing to go anywhere to find Christians and stop them. He later wrote that he did this ignorantly in unbelief (see 1 Timothy 1:12–13).

Many people, believers and unbelievers alike, have a hard time understanding how a religious person can also be a hateful person. But the unfortunate reality is that some people who claim to be devout act in mean and cruel ways. They use their religion to belittle and destroy others. That was certainly the case with Saul.

Christians who fall into this trap can be dangerous to the cause of Christ. They can also cause great frustration for their fellow believers whose own ministry efforts are undermined or hindered by their un-Christlike behavior. As Vance Havner pointed out, “If we are too busy using our sickles on one another, we’re going to miss the harvest.”

As Christians, we need to travel light in our relationship with other believers. We need to show love, encouragement, and support. We need to let go of anger, competitiveness, and illusions of moral superiority. We need to embrace a spirit of humility and grace so that we can accomplish all that God has for us to do.

Saul certainly learned that lesson. Years later he wrote, “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:10 NLT).

Jesus put it even more succinctly: “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35 NLT).

Reflection question: What does showing love for fellow believers look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. 

—Acts 8:35

Scripture:

Acts 8:35 

Every now and again, stories appear in the news about people who pose as physicians even though they’re not licensed to practice medicine. In some cases, the actions of these faux physicians prove to be destructive or even fatal for the people they’re “treating.” Obviously, such malpractice is inexcusable.

But what about spiritual malpractice? I believe that there are some preachers today who are guilty of harmful and destructive spiritual guidance. These questionable Christian leaders are not accurately presenting the gospel message.

The litmus test for determining whether a gospel message is legitimate is simple. If a presentation of the Good News doesn’t contain a message about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, then it’s insufficient. Every effective gospel presentation, whether it’s a sermon given from a pulpit or part of a private conversation, ultimately needs to come down to this: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sin. He paid the price for every wrong thing we’ve ever done. And after He conquered the power of sin, He rose again to conquer the power of death.

That’s the essence of the gospel. That’s the message we need to take to people.

Too often we bog ourselves down with too many arguments, counterarguments, and debate strategies. We look for “gotcha” moments, opportunities to use unbelievers’ logic against them.

A better option is to “travel light”—to fill our thoughts with Scripture alone. If we want to be effective in sharing our faith, our message must be centered on God’s Word. That’s why the apostle Paul wrote, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV).

When we commit Scripture to memory, when we know the Word of God, we have a well to draw from when someone asks us a question. And as we prepare to respond, we can pray that the Holy Spirit will bring the right passages to mind.

Think again about Philip’s opportunity to share the gospel with a government official from Ethiopia. Acts 8:35 says, “So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus” (NLT). Philip was able to present the gospel accurately and at a moment’s notice because he knew Scripture.

The better we know Scripture and the more of it we commit to memory, the more we give the Holy Spirit to work with. The psalmist wrote, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11 NLT). When we commit ourselves to that same pursuit, we’ll discover not only that God blesses our efforts but also that our heart has much greater storage capacity than we can imagine.

Reflection question: How much of your heart’s storage capacity is filled with memorized Scripture passages? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. 

—Ecclesiastes 3:1–2

Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 

Reflecting on the passing of human life, ethicist Michael Josephson wrote, “Ready or not, someday it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. . . . So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured? . . . Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.”

The author of Ecclesiastes wrote, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest” (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 NLT). The psalmist wrote, “My future is in your hands” (Psalm 31:15 NLT). And Job said to God, “You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer” (Job 14:5 NLT).

Contemplating how short life is and how powerless we are to change that can trigger anxiety in some people. It magnifies the importance of being proactive in the choices you make, not to mention the importance of starting to make those choices as early as possible. To put it another way: The evening of your life is determined by the morning of your life.

If you start prioritizing healthy eating and exercise as a young person and continue the practice throughout your life, you will enjoy the benefits for years and years. Likewise, if you start prioritizing the things of God as a young person and continue the practice throughout your life, you will reap unimaginable blessings for as long as you live.

The author of Proverbs touched on this principle when he wrote, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6 RSV).

If you’re in the morning of your life—if, statistically speaking, you likely have many years ahead of you—now is not the time to sow your wild oats or to do the things you plan to repent for later. Now is the time to establish the habits, practices, and principles that will guide your life. Now is the time to study God’s Word, to memorize and apply it to every area of your life. Now is the time to begin the discipline of prayer, to set aside time every day to speak and listen to the Lord. Now is the time to develop and sharpen your skills when it comes to sharing your faith. If time is on your side, don’t let that advantage slip away.

If you’re in the afternoon or even in the evening of life, the same principle applies, just in a different time frame. It’s never too late to adopt God-honoring disciplines. And right now, you’re as young as you’ll ever be.

Reflection question: How can you prioritize and embrace God-honoring disciplines in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. 

—John 15:8

Scripture:

John 15:8 

A headstone serves as a marker for a person’s grave. But it also serves as an extremely brief summary of the person’s life. A typical headstone might read: John Doe, May 29, 1946–October 15, 2025, beloved son, husband, and father.

What’s interesting, though, is that the smallest etching on the headstone—the dash between the date of birth and date of death—represents what ultimately matters most. That dash is the entirety of our days.

We cannot determine how long we will live on this earth. We may try. We may follow every healthy trend we see online. We may load up on high-end supplements. We may constantly obsess about doing the right things, where our health is concerned. But as Jesus asked in Matthew 6:27, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (NLT).

God determines the length of our lives. He decided when we were born, and He decides when we will die. We have nothing to say about those dates. But we have everything to say about the dash between them. That dash encompasses every decision we make, every path we choose, every priority we elevate, every interaction we have, and every use of our God-given gifts and abilities. That dash represents how we use the days that God so graciously gives us. More specifically, it reflects whether we pursue God’s agenda or our own.

According to Scripture, we’re all placed on this earth to glorify and honor God and to produce spiritual fruit in our lives. It’s telling that after this life is over, when believers are gathered in Heaven for eternity, we will sing this song: “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased” (Revelation 4:11 NLT).

We exist for the pleasure of God. Jesus said, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name” (John 15:16 NLT). He also said, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father” (verse 8 NLT).

So, ultimately, the dash is our chance to produce as much spiritual fruit, and to make the most of as many spiritual opportunities as we possibly can. Not for our own glory, but for God’s. That means investing our precious time in His Word—studying it, memorizing it, and helping others understand it. It means seeking out opportunities to share our faith and equipping ourselves to make the most of the chances when they come. It means staying connected to the Lord through prayer—seeking His will, giving Him our burdens, and listening for His guidance.

Your dash is a gift from God. Make the most of it.

Reflection question: How can you make the most of your dash? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie